Get Justice with a Georgia Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one is never easy, but when their death is caused by someone else’s negligence or misconduct, the grieving process becomes even more difficult. In such cases, seeking justice with the help of a Georgia wrongful death lawyer can provide some solace and help families regain a sense of control. Read on to learn about the intricacies of Georgia’s wrongful death law, the benefits of hiring an experienced lawyer, like Scholle Law, and how they can help you navigate this challenging legal journey.

Key Takeaways

  • Engage a Georgia wrongful death lawyer to seek justice and potential compensation for the deceased’s family.
  • Eligible parties have two years from date of death to file a claim, which can involve economic or non-economic damages.
  • Common causes of wrongful death in GA include car accidents and medical malpractice. An attorney can assist with evidence collection, case construction & settlement negotiation. 

Understanding Georgia Wrongful Death Law

Wrongful death is defined as the loss of life due to the negligence or misconduct of another party. In Georgia, wrongful death cases may be brought in the event of:

  • Murder
  • Vehicular accidents
  • Workplace accidents
  • Medical malpractice

Surviving family members may wonder how to seek justice and compensation for their loss. An Atlanta wrongful death attorney can guide these families through the complex legal process of a civil action and negotiate settlements on their behalf. The aim of a wrongful death claim in Georgia is to restore financial stability following the incident.

There are two avenues to seek justice: via the criminal justice system, where the state prosecutes the offender, and the civil justice system, which enables the deceased’s family to pursue a case against the offender with the aid of Georgia wrongful death lawyers. 

 

Negligent Conduct and Wrongful Death

Negligent conduct is characterized as a failure to use reasonable care when a duty to do so is present, which ultimately results in injury or death of another person.

The compensation available in wrongful death claims may include both financial and emotional damages. In Georgia, the compensation is typically divided equally among the surviving spouse and children, with the spouse retaining at least 1/3 of the recovery. However, there are exceptions to these general rules.

Criminal Acts and Civil Claims

Criminal acts can provide the basis for a civil claim.. For instance, if someone is hurt in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, the driver can be charged with a criminal offense, and the injured party can also file a civil claim for damages.

The primary distinction between criminal acts and civil claims is that criminal acts are prosecuted by the state, while civil claims are initiated by individuals, and the latter are usually settled through monetary remuneration. 

Hiring a Georgia Wrongful Death Lawyer: Why It’s Crucial

Engaging the services of Atlanta wrongful death lawyers, such as a Georgia wrongful death lawyer, can provide access to legal expertise and experience, as well as the potential to seek fair compensation from the responsible party. The Atlanta Wrongful Death Attorney has an excellent reputation, having been recognized by:

  • Super Lawyers
  • The National Law Journal
  • Georgia Trend Magazine
  • S. News & World Report

They can help families file a wrongful death suit and seek justice for their loved ones.

A wrongful death lawyer plays a crucial role in gathering evidence, negotiating settlements, and handling complex cases. They typically operate on a contingency basis, meaning they are only paid if they are successful in obtaining compensation for the family. This ensures that the family does not have to worry about upfront legal fees and can focus on healing. 

Legal Expertise and Experience

An experienced wrongful death lawyer can enhance your prospects of effectively addressing complexities, such as the comparative negligence defense. They are cognizant of the necessary steps to acquire compensation for those who relied on the deceased’s income and emotional support.

Working on a contingency fee basis, the lawyer receives payment only when the client obtains a successful outcome, be it through settlement or trial.

Handling Insurance Companies

A wrongful death lawyer can assist the victim’s family in navigating the process of negotiating with insurance companies to ensure a fair compensation. By evaluating the insurance policy, probing the details of the death, and negotiating with the insurance company, the lawyer can greatly increase the likelihood of a maximum pay out for the victim’s family.

This expertise is crucial in dealing with insurance companies that may be reluctant to pay out the full value of the claim. 

Determining the Value of Your Wrongful Death Case

In Georgia, a wrongful death claim can include both tangible and intangible damages suffered by the deceased and their family. These damages play a vital role in helping the family recoup financial stability after their tragic loss. One might wonder how these damages are computed and which factors influence the value of a wrongful death case in Georgia.

Economic damages refer to quantifiable financial losses that a victim has sustained or will sustain as a result of an incident or accident, such as lost wages, medical expenses, and funeral costs. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, refer to compensation for intangible losses, including pain, suffering, inconvenience, emotional distress, loss of society, and loss of enjoyment of life. Georgia judges direct juries to evaluate non-economic losses from the perspective of what the victim would have experienced had they lived a full life. 

Economic Damages

Economic damages in a wrongful death case may include:

  • The estimated income the victim would have earned over the course of their lifetime
  • The value of services they would have provided to family members
  • Medical and funeral expenses

These damages can help the family cover the costs associated with their loved one’s death and alleviate the financial burden they may experience.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages in a wrongful death case may include pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. These damages are designed to compensate the surviving family members for the emotional and psychological impact of their loved one’s death and the loss of their presence in their lives.

While no amount of money can truly replace the loss of a loved one, non-economic damages can help provide closure and a sense of justice for the family. 

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia: Who Can File and When?

In Georgia, a wrongful death claim may be filed by the decedent’s representative on behalf of the next of kin, which could include a sibling or a parent. Additionally, the spouse and children of the deceased are entitled to file a wrongful death claim. However, other family members, such as siblings or grandparents, are not eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

You may question who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim and at what point they should do so. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Georgia is typically two years from the date of death. It is imperative to file the claim within this period, as failure to do so may result in the claim being barred and the family being unable to pursue justice. This highlights the necessity of consulting with a wrongful death lawyer promptly following the death of a loved one to ensure the claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe. 

Eligible Parties

In Georgia, a wrongful death claim may be filed by the following individuals, in order of priority:

  1. Spouse
  2. Children
  3. Parents
  4. Estate representative
  5. Siblings

This hierarchy ensures that the closest relatives of the deceased have the right to seek justice and compensation for their loss.

It is essential for the family to consult with a wrongful death lawyer to determine their eligibility and ensure that the claim is filed by the appropriate party.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim in Georgia is two years from the date of death. Filing the claim within this period is crucial to avoid losing the right to seek justice and compensation for the loss of a loved one.

A wrongful death lawyer can help families navigate the legal process and ensure that the claim is filed within the prescribed time frame, allowing the family to focus on healing and moving forward. 

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Georgia

Car accidents, medical malpractice, and other types of fatal injuries resulting from another’s negligence are commonly reported as causes of wrongful death in Georgia. Each of these situations presents unique challenges and requires the expertise of a wrongful death lawyer to navigate the complex legal process of Georgia wrongful death lawsuits.

Consider the two most frequent causes of wrongful death in Georgia: car accidents and medical malpractice. Car accidents are among the most common causes of wrongful death in Georgia, with distracted driving, drunk driving, and unsafe driving behaviors often cited as contributing factors. Medical malpractice, on the other hand, includes medical errors, misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, and medication errors.

In either situation, a competent wrongful death lawyer can assist families in seeking justice and compensation for their loss, and working with experienced wrongful death attorneys can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case. 

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the most prevalent causes of wrongful death in Georgia. In cases involving a fatal car accident, a wrongful death lawyer can provide information on Georgia law, legal rights and options, as well as guidance on how to move forward with a wrongful death claim.

Motor vehicle collisions, including those involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, are often caused by factors such as distracted driving, drunk driving, and unsafe driving behaviors. A wrongful death lawyer can help families navigate the legal process and seek compensation for their loss in these tragic circumstances.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is another common cause of wrongful death in Georgia. In cases involving medical malpractice, having legal representation is essential in order to guarantee that victims and their families obtain the appropriate compensation for their losses.

Moreover, legal representation can facilitate navigating the intricate legal system and guarantee that their rights are upheld. From medical errors and misdiagnosis to surgical mistakes and medication errors, a wrongful death lawyer can help families seek justice and compensation in these complex cases.  

How a Georgia Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help You 

A wrongful death lawyer can provide invaluable assistance throughout the legal process, from evidence collection and preservation to negotiating settlements and ensuring appropriate compensation. Their expertise and experience can help families navigate the complexities of the legal system and seek justice for their loved one’s tragic death.

So, in what ways can a Georgia wrongful death lawyer assist you? A wrongful death lawyer can assist you by:

  • Assisting with evidence collection and preservation
  • Constructing a compelling case that demonstrates the negligence or criminal acts that led to the person’s death
  • Engaging in settlement negotiations with the defendant’s lawyer and insurance company to ensure that the family of the victim is provided with appropriate compensation.

Evidence Collection

A wrongful death lawyer can assist in gathering and safeguarding evidence to construct a compelling case. To establish a wrongful death case in Georgia, evidence demonstrating that the accused party acted negligently or committed a criminal act causing the person’s death must be gathered. This evidence may include:

  • Witness testimonies
  • Medical records
  • Accident reports
  • Expert opinions
  • Any other pertinent documentation that supports the claim

By ensuring that all necessary evidence is collected and preserved, a wrongful death lawyer can help build a strong case that increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Settlement Negotiation

In settlement negotiations, a wrongful death lawyer plays a pivotal role, working to ensure the victim’s family receives just and fair compensation for their loss. The lawyer will also endeavor to guarantee that the defendant is held responsible for their actions and that the settlement is in the best interests of the victim’s family.

By skillfully negotiating settlements, a wrongful death lawyer can help ensure that the family receives the compensation they deserve and can begin to heal and move forward.  

Summary

The loss of a loved one due to negligence or misconduct is a painful experience, but seeking justice with the help of a Georgia wrongful death lawyer can provide some solace to grieving families. By understanding Georgia’s wrongful death law, hiring an experienced lawyer, and navigating the legal process, families can seek fair compensation for their loss and begin the healing process. With their expertise and dedication, a wrongful death lawyer can guide families through this difficult journey, ensuring that justice is served and the memory of their loved one is honored. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can you get from a wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia?

In Georgia, family members of the wrongful death victim can pursue compensation for the full value of the life of the deceased, ensuring their suffering is appropriately acknowledged and remedied.

Who can sue for wrongful death in Georgia?

In Georgia, wrongful death claims can only be brought by the surviving family members of the deceased. Therefore, it is these family members who have the legal right to sue for wrongful death in the state.

What is considered wrongful death in Georgia?

The tragedy of losing a loved one can be devastating, and in Georgia, if the death is caused by negligence, recklessness or intention, it is considered a wrongful death.

How long do you have to sue for wrongful death in Georgia?

In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

What types of damages can be sought in a wrongful death claim?

In a wrongful death claim, damages may include economic losses such as lost wages and medical expenses, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.